A major dispute in the Chicago real estate market is set to affect homebuyers and sellers as Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) plans to terminate Zillow's access to its listing database. This decision, effective immediately, arises from allegations that Zillow has violated licensing rules, particularly concerning private listings. MRED, which manages around 250,000 listings annually across Illinois and parts of surrounding states, argues that Zillow's recent policy changes unfairly target Compass, the largest real estate brokerage. Zillow's new rule mandates that any home listing marketed to consumers must appear on its platform within one day, or it risks being banned. This move is seen as a way to ensure transparency in a market increasingly leaning towards private listings. The conflict escalated when Zillow sued both MRED and Compass, claiming they conspired to restrict its access to listings, thereby undermining competition. As the legal battle unfolds, MRED has stated it will maintain the ban on Zillow's access until the latter changes its policies regarding private listings. The outcome of this dispute could significantly impact the visibility of home listings in the Chicago area.